Kristen Schaffner, PhD (she/her)
Director of Testing Services
Dr. Kristen Schaffner is a nationally certified school psychologist and a licensed psychologist. She has practiced in a variety of settings including university-based clinics, hospital and subprograms, and school settings. Dr. Schaffner has particular expertise in the assessment and treatment of young children with externalizing and challenging behaviors. PCIT International has certified her as a regional trainer in the evidence-based therapy model, Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT). In this capacity, she has trained and consulted with over 300 clinicians.
She has also worked extensively in consultation and collaboration with early childhood education organizations to support the individual needs of children in group settings. Dr. Schaffner provides comprehensive assessments to determine how best to support children with developmental delays, learning disabilities, attention, behavioral and learning difficulties, and traumatic stress experiences. Dr. Schaffner is passionate about working with families to answer questions, develop strategies, and access supports to help all children thrive.
Dr. Schaffner uses an evidence-based approach, providing families with strategies that have been shown through research to improve child development. Her assessments are comprehensive, looking at multiple sources of data to identify strengths and opportunities. Dr. Schaffner’s experience as a parent has given her valuable insight into how vulnerable and confused parents can feel when trying to find the best care for their children. As a result, she strives to create an evaluation experience that feels supportive, transparent, and informative. Her goal is to empower families and clients by providing individualized resources and recommendations from a strengths-based perspective. She is passionate about helping to create communities to support the diverse needs of children, families, and the professionals who support them.
She obtained her doctorate in School Psychology from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.